The Best Way to Prevent Freezing of Your Pipes -Eldersburg, MD

Water damage in your property can occur at any time of year, including the autumn and winter seasons. Throughout the season, burst pipes are a major source of water damage and indoor flooding. When the water inside pipes freezes, they often burst, dumping up to 1000 gallons of water into your home in a single night. This much water has the potential to flood your property and cause significant damage.

Dealing with flooding and water damage inside your home caused by a burst pipe is incredibly inconvenient in the depth of winter. Fortunately, by performing basic pipe repairs around the house in the fall, you may be able to avoid water damage caused by frozen pipes. These suggestions can help you prepare the pipes inside and outside your home for the hard winter weather, preventing them from freezing.

Taking care of your pipes outside the house

The maintenance of your pipes should begin outside your home. Make sure to complete the following pipe maintenance tips before the cold season arrives:

Shut off sprinkler system: Turn off any sprinklers or irrigation systems in your yard for the winter. Water within the system can freeze in freezing temperatures, causing damage to the sprinklers or system. It is also unnecessary to run the sprinkler system after the fall since plants go dormant when temperatures fall below a certain threshold.

Garden hose: Before storing your garden hose in your garage, shed, or inside your home, disconnect and drain it. Turn off the exterior water as well to prevent the faucets and hose bibs from freezing. Hose bibs can be insulated from freezing even further by employing molded foam insulating covers. Keep the outdoor faucets open to drain any excess water.

Seal the foundation: Examine the points where outside pipes enter your property and caulk any holes that exist. Seal the foundation vents as well. By sealing off the vents and entry points of the pipes, you may assist reduce excessive cold air entering the property and causing the pipes to freeze.

Pipe Maintenance Tips Inside Your Home

Keeping your home heated during the winter will help prevent frozen pipes for the most part. However, there are certain additional steps you should take in the winter to reduce the possibility of frozen pipes:

Insulate your pipes: As previously noted, pipes in uninsulated and unheated areas are especially vulnerable to freezing. This includes pipes in the basement, crawlspace, attic, garage, and other similar sites. Insulate pipes in these areas with insulated tape or molded pipe sleeves, making sure to cover any exposed pipes, valves, and pipe fitting. The more insulation you apply, the better protected your pipes will be against freezing.

Wrap your pipes: Instead of using pipe insulation, pipes might be covered in thermostatically controlled heat tape or heat wires. Use heat tape and cables for their intended use, and follow the installation and operation instructions provided by the manufacturer.

Seal air leaks: Air leaks enhance the risk of frozen pipes by introducing cold air into the system. Inspect your home for air leaks, especially near doors and windows, electrical cables, pipes, and dryer vents. Any found air leaks should be sealed with caulk or insulation.

Examine the main shut-off valve: Every house has a main shut-off valve that allows you to turn off the water completely. Check to see if this valve is in your home and if it is working. If a pipe in your home bursts, turn off the water at the main shutoff valve right away.

Frozen pipes are incredibly inconvenient throughout the winter, and if they are not thawed quickly enough, they can shatter and cause water damage. By performing the aforementioned pipe maintenance in the fall, you may help prevent frozen pipes and reduce the likelihood of pipe breaks in and around your home.

Even with meticulous upkeep, pipes can explode in the dead of winter. Remember to switch off the water shut-off valve and contact Restoration 1 of Central Maryland for water damage restoration if a pipe bursts. Our professionals will remove the water from your property and fix any damage that has happened.